Tributes were paid today to a British serviceman killed in Afghanistan who was a "soldier to his heart and a friend to all".

Guardsman Jamie Janes, 20, of 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards, died in Nad Ali district in central Helmand province on Monday morning.

His death took to 220 the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan since the mission began eight years ago.

Lieutenant Colonel Roly Walker, commanding officer of the Grenadier Guards battle group, said: "So early in our tour, the tragic death of one of our brave young men comes as a shock. Jamie was a soldier to his heart and a friend to all."

Guardsman Janes died on the way to hospital after an explosion while he was on foot patrol.

Three of his colleagues were wounded in the blast, which was followed by an ambush by insurgents, the Ministry of Defence said.

He was born in Stafford but his family moved to Brighton when he was two.

After beginning his army career at the age of 16, he joined 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards when he was 18.

He leaves his girlfriend, Kate, three brothers – including one serving in the army – two sisters and his mother.

Walker added: "He knew the dangers he would face in Afghanistan but he had the courage to keep soldiering.

"He stood tall amongst his fellow men as an experienced hand who willingly stepped forward to take on the difficult task of clearing routes, and he gave the less experienced soldiers in his section huge confidence.

"He leaves behind a strong impression and his memory will inspire us. I am hugely proud of him, and humbled by his sacrifice."

Guardsman Janes died in the way lived, "protecting his friends from danger", Major Richard Green, his company commander, said.

"His experience and cool head reassured the younger, less experienced guardsmen and set their minds at ease as they began to come to terms with the task at hand."